Chandigarh, April 24: Punjab’s public education system is undergoing a pedagogical shift as a partnership with Finland’s University of Turku begins to replace traditional rote learning with interactive, play-based methods. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, currently on an official visit to Finland, stated that the initiative is already producing visible changes in student motivation and classroom environments across the state.
The program, managed through the State Council of Educational Research and Training, focuses on early childhood and foundational education. By May 2026, approximately 300 teachers will have completed specialized training across four cohorts. These sessions, held in Chandigarh and the Finnish cities of Turku and Rauma, combine academic workshops with practical school visits to expose educators to global innovations.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed that the initiative seeks to embed child-centered learning deep within the state’s institutional framework. This partnership is yielding results by aligning global pedagogical expertise with local classroom realities, the Chief Minister declared during a visit to the Kukulo-Moikoinen Early Childhood Education and Care Centre. He maintained that the strategy avoids the direct transplantation of foreign models, opting instead for meaningful integration into Punjab’s specific socio-cultural context.
The government plans to expand the reach of these reforms through a train-the-trainers model. This approach involves creating a cadre of master trainers who can disseminate Finnish-inspired techniques to educators throughout the province. To support this growth, officials are developing digital platforms and blended learning formats for continuous professional development.
The emphasis has been on making learning joyful and participatory, the Chief Minister asserted. He noted that feedback from schools indicates an increase in student participation and more inclusive teaching practices. The state remains committed to strengthening public education, Mann stated, adding that the collaboration serves as a cornerstone for broader educational reforms in Punjab.
